App Watch: IPhone-Assisted Dates Go Straight

For months, gay men have been using a hugely popular iPhone application, Grindr, to find nearby dates. Now the company behind Grindr is going straight with the more innocently-named Blendr.

Blendr

The new app comes weeks after OKCupid, the free dating site, launched an app that lets its members find nearby dates. Like Grindr, Blendr and OKCupid Locals use the mapping software on iPhones to give you a list of singles (or non-singles, for that matter) who are nearby and willing to meet up for, say, a drink.

Like Grindr, Blendr will also monitor profiles for inappropriate material like nude photos and profanity. Users can also report others for “offensive content and conduct.” And when necessary, the company will cooperate with authorities to track down people who have broken the law while using the service.